Anti-Intellectualism: Anti-Intellectualism in the Church?

ANTI-INTELLECTUALISM- Introduction
“You don’t need a bunch of head knowledge to serve the Lord — all you need is experience. Don’t think too much… feel…” Sounds pretty spiritual to me.

ANTI-INTELLECTUALISM- Inner Experience over Reason
The truth is, there does seem to be a growing attitude of anti-intellectualism in many quarters of the Christian church. Many Christians believe that their inner subjective experiences should take precedence over critical thinking and sound reasoning processes. Some even think that formal education in college or seminary is unscriptural — might even say its of the Devil. They seem to imply that being led of the Spirit means that we have to abandon our natural thinking processes. Well, should Christians check their brains at the front door of their church or shouldn’t they?

ANTI-INTELLECTUALISM- No Dichotomy between Experience and Reason
The biblical answer to this question is, NO they shouldn’t! The Bible nowhere points to this false dichotomy between experience and reason. In fact, we happen to be commanded by the Lord himself that we are to love Him with both our minds and our hearts. The Bible says: “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your mind” (Matt. 22:37). It should be noted that Christianity is not just an inner experience of the soul, it also happens to involve our intellect, mind, and will. In fact, Christianity is a philosophical world view with a coherent system of beliefs. Even the Bible itself is a propositional revelation — which means, of course, that God has revealed His will in words that the mind can fully comprehend.

ANTI-INTELLECTUALISM- Clear Minded and Self Controlled
So you see, rather than checking your mind, Christians ought to check their experiences by God’s Word. I like what Peter said: “The end of all things is near; therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can truly pray.”

ANTI-INTELLECTUALISM- Conclusion
As has been well said, “As a Christian, your mind really matters.” The heart cannot fully rejoice in what the mind does not fully comprehend. So let’s use our minds, lets study to show ourselves approved, workmen that need not blush with embarrassment, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.On loving God with your mind, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.